Text for introductory exercise, dance, and movement classes and reference for upper-level dance students, dance educators, and somatic education instructors. Resource for instructors of Pilates, yoga, bodyworks, and other groups interested in alignment and imagery. Also a resource for athletes.
The Franklin Method training as outlined in this book is the most intelligent approach to learning about the workings of the body that I have ever attended. It is not just information but the experience of our design as we learn that is transforming.
Tom McCook-- Fitness Instructor, Founder and Director, Center of Balance
In Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Eric Franklin offers an easy-to-read, practical, and educational resource, which I wholly recommend.
Dr. Emma Redding-- Head of Dance Science, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, President, International Association for Dance Medicine & Science
Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery is a must-have resource. Eric Franklin creates a truly powerful tool for improving movement and function.
Marie-Jose Blom-- PMA Gold-Certified Master Pilates Teacher, Founder and Owner, Long Beach Dance Conditioning, Founder and Owner, Angel City Body Kinetics, Founder and Partner, SmartSpine Works
The Franklin Method has had a profound influence on my personal and professional life. Eric Franklin's evolution of imagery and its application contain the knowledge and power to create a quantum leap in our understanding of human movement and our own potential.
Jan Dunn M.S.-- Past President, International Association for Dance Medicine & Science
Eric Franklin is director and founder of the Franklin Institute in Uster, Switzerland. He has more than 35 years' experience as a dancer and choreographer, and he has shared imagery techniques in his teaching since 1986.
Franklin has taught extensively throughout the United States and Europe at the Julliard School in New York, the Royal Ballet School in London, the Danish Ballet in Copenhagen, the Dance Academy of Rome, and the Institute for Psychomotor Therapy in Zurich; he was also a guest lecturer at the University of Vienna. He has provided training to Olympic and world-champion athletes and professional dance troupes such as Cirque du Soleil and the Forum de Dance in Monte Carlo. Franklin earned a BFA from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and a BS from the University of Zurich. He has been on the faculty of the American Dance Festival since 1991.
Franklin is coauthor of the bestselling book Breakdance, which received a New York City Public Library Prize in 1984, and author of 100 Ideen fur Beweglichkeit and Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance (both books about imagery in dance and movement). He is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science.
Franklin lives near Zurich, Switzerland.
Part I: Posture and Dynamic Alignment
Chapter 1: Roots of Imagery for Alignment
In Search of Ideal Posture
Somatic Disciplines
Summary
Chapter 2: Postural Models and Dynamic Alignment
What Your Posture Reveals
Postural Habits
Rich Sources for Dynamic Alignment
Summary
Chapter 3: Foundations of Mental Imagery
Brain as the Basis for Imagery
Brain and Consciousness
Nervous System
Neuroplasticity and Imagery
Developing Mind: The Role of Imagery
Summary
Chapter 4: Change Through Imagery
Four Steps for Change
Body Image as Basic Feedback
Developmental Patterns and Mental Imagery
Wrong Habits That Feel Right
Retaining Your Progress
Motivation and Change
Summary
Chapter 5: Benefits and Types of Imagery
Benefits: What Imagery Can Do for You
Types of Imagery
Styles of Imagery Delivery
Self-Talk: The Internal Monologue
Summary
Chapter 6: General Guidelines Before Using Imagery
Factors That Influence Successful Imagery
Guidelines for Using Imagery
Training Your Ability to Use Imagery
Concentration and Attention
Stages of Learning
Positions for Anatomical Imagery Work
Using Imagery When in Motion
Image Narrative, Image Bundles, and Relational Imagery
Summary
Part II: Biomechanical and Anatomical Principles and Exercises
Chapter 7: Finding Your Center and Befriending Gravity
Planes for Direction and Location
Central Axis
Body Geography
Joint Movements
Force
Matter and Mass
Summary
Chapter 8: Laws of Motion and Force Systems
Newton's Laws of Motion
Force Systems
Lever Systems
Energy Conservation
Ability of Materials to Resist Force
Dynamic Stability
Summary
Chapter 9: Joint and Muscle Function
Joint Types
Bones
Connective Tissue and Fascia
Muscles
Summary
Part III: Exercises for Anatomical Imagery
Chapter 10: Pelvis, Hip Joint, and Company
Pelvic Arches
Balancing the Pelvis
Motion of the Pelvic Halves
Counterrotation and Three-Dimensional Alignment
Pelvic Powerhouse
Hip Joint and Femur
Iliopsoas and Piriformis
Summary
Chapter 11: Knee, Lower Leg, and Foot
Knee
Tibia, Fibula, and Ankle
Foot
Summary
Chapter 12: Spine and Body Wall
Functioning Spine
Pelvis
Vertebrae
Facet Joints
Discs, Spine, and Psychology of Pain
Spinal Ligaments
Musculature of the Abdomen and Back
Abdominal Wall and Fascia
Abdominal Muscles and the Concept of Core Stability
Summary
Chapter 13: Shoulders, Arms, and Hands
Suspension of the Shoulder Girdle
Glenohumeral Joint
Scapulohumeral Rhythm
Elbow
Wrist and Hand
Summary
Chapter 14: Head and Neck
Atlas and Axis
Skull
Suboccipitals
Mandible
Hyoid and Tongue
Eyes
Nose and Mouth
Summary
Chapter 15: Rib Cage, Breath, and Organs
Rib Cage
Breath
Support for Abdominal Organs
Skin as an Organ
Summary
Part IV: Returning to Holistic Alignment
Chapter 16: Definitions of Dynamic Alignment
Plumb Line
Median Alignment
Defining Ideal Alignment
Dynamic Versus Static Alignment
Dynamic and Static Stability
Pulling Up and Ideal Alignment
Summary
Chapter 17: Integrating Dynamic Alignment Exercises
Alignment in Supine Positions
Alignment in Sitting Positions
Standing and Walking Alignment
Releasing Excess Tension
Continuing Imagery Exercises